Ears, eyes & allergies

Ear infection: virtual care options

An ear infection can affect the middle ear behind the eardrum or the outer ear canal, often called swimmer’s ear. Middle ear infections often follow a cold, while swimmer’s ear usually starts after water gets trapped in the ear.

See virtual care for Ear infection

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Common symptoms

What people often notice. Only a provider can tell you what’s causing yours.

Ear pain or a feeling of fullness
Muffled hearing
Fluid draining from the ear
Itching or redness in the ear canal
Pain when the outer ear is touched or pulled
Fever, especially in children

What a virtual visit may involve

Care is decided by the provider, based on your situation.

A video or online visit where a licensed provider asks about your ear pain, recent colds, and swimming
A provider decides whether an in-person ear exam is needed before treatment
Prescriptions, if appropriate, can be sent to a pharmacy near you
Advice on easing pain and keeping the ear dry

When in-person care may be better

Urgent care, your doctor, or a clinic can examine and test you.

A provider needs to look inside the ear
A baby or toddler has ear pain or is pulling at the ear with fever
You have hearing loss, or ear infections keep coming back
You have ear tubes or have had ear surgery

When to go to the ER

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

Swelling, redness, or pain behind the ear
A stiff neck or severe headache with fever
Sudden hearing loss
Weakness or drooping on one side of the face
Severe dizziness or trouble with balance

Ready to explore a virtual visit for Ear infection?

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Common questions

Ear infection, answered.

General information, not medical advice. A provider can answer questions about your situation.

Can an ear infection be diagnosed online?

A provider can learn a lot from your symptoms during a virtual visit, and may treat if appropriate. Because they cannot see inside the ear on video, they may recommend an in-person exam, especially for children.

Will an ear infection go away on its own?

Some middle ear infections clear up without treatment within a few days. A provider can help decide whether to watch and wait or treat, based on age and symptoms.

How do I know if it is swimmer’s ear or a middle ear infection?

Swimmer’s ear often hurts when you tug on the outer ear and may itch or drain. Middle ear infections tend to cause deep pain and pressure, often after a cold.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.